Naqvi vows zero tolerance for illegal migration; big shift likely in UK PR policy

LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated the government’s strict stance against illegal immigration, stating that such activities will never be tolerated.

The Interior Minister visited Lahore Airport today to observe the immigration process, accompanied by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain. During the visit, Minister Naqvi expressed concern over the congestion at immigration counters and directed authorities to expedite the process for passengers.

Both ministers engaged with travelers and examined the immigration procedures. Federal Minister Salik Hussain also checked the authenticity of protector stickers on travel documents to ensure compliance with regulations.

Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said that no passenger would be allowed to travel without proper documentation. He warned that strict action would be taken against any officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) or other agencies found complicit in illegal activities.

“No passenger who brings disrepute to the country will be permitted to travel,” he said, underlining the government’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal migration.

Federal Minister Salik Hussain added that the authenticity of employment and travel documents must be verified in every case to prevent misuse and protect the country’s reputation.

BIG SHIFT LIKELY IN UK PERMANENT RESIDENCE POLICY

Meanwhile, major changes are likely in the policy of granting permanent residence to refugees in the UK.

British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce a change in the country’s refugee policy, according to British media, refugees in the UK will only get temporary asylum.

Now refugees will have to wait up to 20 years to get permanent asylum, these measures are being taken to reduce the number of refugees coming to the UK.

According to the new policy, after getting asylum, people will now be given temporary status, not permanent. In the current system, refugees get a status of five years, after which they can apply for permanent residence.

According to British media, now under the new policy, this initial period will be reduced to just two and a half years. As soon as the period ends, the refugee status will be reassessed. If their country of origin is declared safe, the refugees will be sent back to their homeland. It will be mandatory to maintain this status for 20 consecutive years to obtain permanent residence.

British media say that new restrictions will be imposed on bringing refugee families to the UK, and Home Minister Shabana Mahmood will announce new reforms to the refugee policy tomorrow.